U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced an inflation-adjusted increase to its premium processing fees, which will take effect on March 1, 2026. This change will impact employers and individuals who rely on expedited processing for various immigration petitions. The fee for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, will rise from $2,805 to $2,965 for most I-129 (nonimmigrant worker) and I-140 (immigrant worker) petitions. A similar increase will apply to certain Form I-539 applications for students and exchange visitors. It is critical for all applicants and petitioners to ensure they submit the correct fee for any request postmarked on or after March 1, 2026, as failure to do so will result in the rejection of the Form I-907 and a loss of the requested expedited processing. This fee increase is part of USCIS's broader efforts to adjust to inflation and maintain service levels. The premium processing service, which guarantees government action on a case within a specified timeframe (typically 15 to 45 days), is a valuable tool for those seeking timely adjudication of their immigration benefits. This update underscores the importance of staying current with the latest immigration news 2026 and visa updates to avoid unnecessary delays.
USCIS Announces Premium Processing Fee Increase Effective March 2026
USCIS will increase premium processing fees for various petitions, including H-1B and L-1, from $2,805 to $2,965, effective March 1, 2026.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1: Any Form I-907 postmarked on or after March 1, 2026, must include the new fee of $2,965 for most employment-based petitions.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Employers and foreign nationals filing petitions that require expedited processing, such as H-1B transfers, extensions, or I-140 immigrant petitions.
- Timeline for Action: The new fee is effective for all filings postmarked on or after March 1, 2026. Plan your filings accordingly.
- Next Steps: Double-check the fee amount before filing any premium processing request after the effective date. Consult with your immigration attorney to ensure your filing is correct and to discuss whether premium processing is the right choice for your case.
Source: Uscis.gov